Charleston challenge finishes a few feet short of breaking world record

It was a sea of feathers, headbands, flappers and fedoras as a crowd of costumed people stepped the Charleston down the main street of shops in Leura.

Launching the Roaring 20s and All that Jazz Festival, the crowd were participating in the Charleston Challenge, with hopes of breaking the world record of 251 costumed people to step the dance.

With 175 people taking to the street, they fell a few feet short of meeting the target but did have some star power on side.

While the festival wouldn't give any specific names, they have revealed that cast members from Baz Luhrmann's upcoming film 'The Great Gatsby' danced along, with ABC TV Collectors personality Claudia Chan Shaw also in attendance.

"We were just so lucky because we had wonderful weather. We had almost 200 participants. Amanda Pavlovic, who was leading the dancing, did a brilliant job," Festival Organiser, Sandy Luxford said.

"There was a lot of excitement in the street. The crowd really got behind the idea and it was just a great scene because people went to a lot of trouble with their costumes, they looked great - it was the first sunny day for weeks. I think we all felt as if we were really celebrating something."

Now in its second year, the Charleston Challenge was the first of various events to be held throughout the Blue Mountains for the rest of February. Other spectacles will also include period automobiles, music, fashion and films for 20s enthusiasts to enjoy.

The Roaring 20s and All That Jazz festival runs till the 26th February.